If so the timing is set by the key on the crankshaft - so that should be right - you cannot be far out.

It could be you have an air leak? If the engine has stood for a while it could be the crankshaft seals have dried and you are pulling air into the crankcase = weak mixture = difficult or impossible to start!

if you try squirting some petrol/oil mixture direct into the cylinder, via the plug hole, put the plug in and it stats/ fires and then stops this points to a lack of fuel getting to the cylinder.

From my frustrating experience of 2 stroke engine magnetos, a spark may be present when tested with the plug out of the cylinder, but may still not be adequate to start or run the engine. Sadly I cannot advise you how to test the coil, but perhaps others can.

Replacing the HT lead and checking the plug cap should also be considered.

Dear Both,Thankyou for your assistance with my FB plover.The problem in the end was the 'points opening cam' on the flywheel was simply too far retardedto allow for correct setting of the ignition timing.I purchased a used flywheel from Villiers spares, the opening cam in a much more advanced position, timed up 3/32 before TDC(with the small amount of adjustment availalble) and away she went!

Now I have another small issue.The pimary chain is very slack, but not slack enough to take an link out, any ideas?